Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and naturally, you want to look and feel your absolute best. In my experience as a wedding photographer, I know that brides who are confident in their own skin end up LOVING their wedding photos much easier than brides who feel self conscious or are covering up with a ton of makeup. It is possible to love the way you look, just as you are! These beauty tips for brides are to help you achieve that feel-good confidence before you pose for the camera on your wedding day.
Achieving that radiant bridal glow isn’t just about the makeup you apply on the day; it starts with a solid foundation of healthy skin. The more you invest in your skin, the less you will feel you need to invest in extreme beauty fixes on the wedding day! After all, skin is the largest organ. And as such, it deserves the same level of care as the rest of your body to look and feel its best. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the best self-care and skincare tips to help you achieve luminous skin, ensuring your makeup stays flawless from the first look to the last dance.
Start Early
When it comes to skincare, it is never too early to start. Ideally, you should begin your skincare routine at least six months before your wedding day, to allow ample time for your skin to adjust to new products and show off real results. If six months isn’t feasible, don’t worry—three months can still make a significant difference.
Why so early, you ask? For most adults under 50, your skin’s natural cycle takes between 28-42 days to renew itself. This means you need this minimum period of time to invest in its health. Longer periods allow you to address any specific concerns you may have, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, oiliness or dryness. Starting early also provides a buffer in case you experience any adverse reactions to new products. Imagine having a rash on your wedding day because you used a new moisturizer 2 weeks before! Let’s keep that stress off of you, friend.\
Building an Easy, Budget-Friendly Skincare Routine
Creating a skincare routine can seem overwhelming, especially when you look at the prices at Ulta and Sephora for popular products — YIKES! But it doesn’t have to cause stress OR break the bank. Here are the three products I recommend researching and investing in to build an effective regimen by sticking to the basics:
- Cleanser: Do some research on a gentle cleanser that is formulated for your skin type. Whether you have oily, dry, or combination skin, cleansing is crucial to remove dirt, oil, and makeup. It also preps your skin to properly absorb the good stuff available in the next few products.
- Moisturizer: Regardless of your skin type, moisturizing is a must. But not all moisturizers are created equal. Choose a moisturizer that caters to your skin’s needs—lightweight for oily skin, and richer formulas for dry skin. Also make sure you use a facial moisturizer. Please don’t put hand lotion on your face 🙂
- Sunscreen: Protecting your skin from UV damage is essential, no matter your lifestyle. A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher should be part of your daily routine. You would be surprised how much your skin is exposed to UV throughout the day, even on cloudy days when you spend most of your time indoors. SPF also has some helpful anti-wrinkle benefits! Win-win!
H2O: The Secret Ingredient to Clear Skin
Out of all the beauty tips for brides out there, hydration is likely the most important! It’s amazing just how many health issues can be solved by drinking more water. Hydration is often overlooked but is a cornerstone of healthy skin. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day helps flush out toxins and keeps your skin plump and evenly moisturized. You can also boost hydration by incorporating hydrating foods into your diet, such as cucumbers, watermelon, and oranges.
When to Seek Professional Help
While a solid at-home routine is essential, professional treatments can take your skin to the next level, especially if you are struggling to troubleshoot your problem areas. Here are some appointments to consider before the wedding day:
- Dermatologist: If you have specific skin concerns, a dermatologist can provide personalized advice and treatments, such as chemical peels or prescription products.
- Facials: Schedule monthly facials to deeply cleanse and rejuvenate your skin. Opt for treatments that focus on hydration and brightening.
- Esthetician: An esthetician can help you refine your skincare routine and offer treatments like microdermabrasion or LED therapy, which can enhance your skin’s appearance.
- Makeup Trial: Schedule at least one makeup trial with your artist to ensure the products work well with your skin and to fine-tune your bridal look.
A Word of Caution Against #BeautyTok Trends
In today’s beauty world, new trends pop up frequently, promising miraculous results. TikTok is particularly full of bad advice! It’s crucial to approach these trends with caution. For example:
- DIY Treatments: While Pinterest and YouTube are full of DIY beauty hacks, they can sometimes do more harm than good. Ingredients like lemon juice or baking soda can irritate and damage your skin.
- Over-Exfoliating: Exfoliation is essential for removing dead skin cells, but overdoing it can strip your skin’s natural barrier, leading to sensitivity and breakouts. Stick to exfoliating 1-2 times a week with a gentle product. Avoid abrasive materials like St. Ives facial scrubs and the like. A micro-exfoliant is typically the safest. I loved using this Dermalogica product before my wedding day in lieu of drug store exfoliators! It’s an investment, but a tiny bit went a long way.
- Unproven Products: Be wary of products that promise instant results or contain unrecognizable, hard-to-pronounce ingredients. Stick to products with proven benefits and consult with a dermatologist or esthetician if you’re unsure.
Other Beauty Tips for Brides to Achieve Radiant Skin
Your lifestyle and environment also significantly impact your skin’s health. Here are some beauty tips for brides to keep in mind as you begin your clean beauty journey before the big day:
- Get that Beauty Sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Your skin repairs itself while you sleep, making rest crucial for a glowing complexion.
- Balance Your Diet: Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your diet. Foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals support skin health.
- Avoid Stress: Easier said than done, but managing stress is vital. Chronic stress can lead to breakouts and dull skin. Practice mindfulness, yoga, or other stress-relief techniques.
- Mind Your Environment: If you live in an area with heavy air pollution, this will take a toll on your skin. Keep this in mind as you search for the right products and level of skin care you need. You might need to consult a professional on what products can help protect against pollution in your area.
Beauty Tips for Brides: Summing It Up
As your wedding day approaches, here are a few of the key takeaways to ensure your skin looks its best so you can LOVE your photos:
- Start Your New Routine Early so your skin has time to adjust and absorb the benefits.
- Keep it simple to avoid going over budget or investing in trendy products that don’t have proven effects.
- Avoid New Products in the final weeks leading up to your wedding.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!
- Get adequate sleep and destress.
- Mind your environment when building a skin care routine.
- Know when to consult the professionals.
Achieving healthy, glowing skin for your wedding day is a journey that requires time, consistency, and care. By following these beauty tips for brides (starting early and adopting a balanced skincare routine, staying hydrated, making smart professional appointments, and avoiding trendy pitfalls), you’ll set yourself up for success. Remember, the goal is not just to look good but to feel good. Because when you feel good about yourself in front of the camera, you’ll look more natural and happy in your photos!
